The ISU women’s basketball team got out to a hot start in its first Big 12 game of the season Wednesday against Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan., and never looked back, winning the game, 84-79. 

The Cyclones picked apart K-State’s zone early and started on an 8-2 run. They maintained a steady lead throughout the entire first half until the Wildcats fought their way back near the end of the second quarter and cut Iowa State’s lead to three.

Redshirt sophomore Jadda Buckley answered quickly with back-to-back 3-pointers to end the first half and give the Cyclones a 37-28 lead. 

Buckley picked up right where she left off, starting the second half with a 3 in the third quarter. Kansas State attempted a comeback, but as soon as the Wildcats neared the Cyclones, sophomore Emily Durr hit back-to-back 3-pointers to end the third quarter.

K-State came out with a sense of urgency in the fourth quarter and cut the lead to three with under a minute left in the game. Johnson turned the ball over but made up for it when she took a charge on the ensuing possession. 

After a few back-and-forth possessions, the Cyclones put the Wildcats away with free throws toward the end of the fourth quarter.

Iowa State is now on a seven-game winning streak and finished the month of December undefeated. 

Iowa State’s next game will be against Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State on Saturday at Hilton Coliseum at 2 p.m.